Job 27:3

Authorized King James Version

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All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל H3605
כָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
ע֣וֹד All the while H5750
ע֣וֹד All the while
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
נִשְׁמָתִ֣י my breath H5397
נִשְׁמָתִ֣י my breath
Strong's: H5397
Word #: 4 of 8
a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal
בִ֑י H0
בִ֑י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 8
וְר֖וּחַ is in me and the spirit H7307
וְר֖וּחַ is in me and the spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 6 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אֱל֣וֹהַּ of God H433
אֱל֣וֹהַּ of God
Strong's: H433
Word #: 7 of 8
a deity or the deity
בְּאַפִּֽי׃ is in my nostrils H639
בְּאַפִּֽי׃ is in my nostrils
Strong's: H639
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Analysis & Commentary

Job vows: 'All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.' This oath of integrity shows Job won't confess false sins to end suffering. Truth matters more than relief from pain.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern legal oaths invoked deity as witness. Job's oath makes God witness to his innocence, a bold move that God eventually vindicates.

Questions for Reflection